History Of Floriade – Australia’s Biggest Celebration of Spring

Floriade – How It Began

Floriade was first held in Canberra in 1988, as a one-off celebration of Canberra’s 75th birthday and to mark the Bicentenary of European settlement. It was the brainchild of landscape designer Christiaan Slotemaker De Bruine, who was inspired by the world-renowned Keukenhof gardens in The Netherlands.

Together with horticulturist Peter Sutton and the dedicated City Parks staff, they transformed Commonwealth Park into a breathtaking display of blooms for the inaugural event. With the theme of ‘Multiculturalism of the Nation,’ Floriade featured stunning Dutch and Aboriginal floral designs. Their collaborative effort, supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands and the Bicentennial Authority, set the stage for what would become a beloved annual tradition.

Held in the heart of the nation’s capital, alongside Lake Burley Griffin, Floriade has grown into a symbol of Canberra’s vibrant spring spirit. Each year, more than one million blooms create a stunning backdrop for a month-long festival brimming with music, cultural showcases, gardening workshops, art displays, and activities for all ages. Running from mid-September to mid-October, this much-loved event attracts over 480,000 local, interstate and international visitors annually, who come together to celebrate the beauty of spring.

About Our Founders

Peter Sutton and Chris Slotemaker De Bruine were the perfect team. Peter, with his passion for plants and people, and Chris, with his keen eye for design and landscaping, brought Floriade to life. Their creativity and dedication still inspire the event 30 years on, with Peter’s incredible work on Canberra landmarks like City Hill, Aspen Island, and the English Garden leaving a lasting legacy.

It wasn’t easy to bring such a wide array of bulbs into Australia back then, but Peter and Chris were persistent—and we’re all grateful for it today as we stroll through these vibrant gardens. Peter’s influence also lives on through the apprentice program he championed, which has trained many of Floriade’s gardeners.

These two visionaries always acknowledged that Floriade’s success comes from the hard work of countless individuals, from the gardeners who plant each bulb by hand to the talented team that fills the park with music and joy. Floriade, the largest flower festival in the Southern Hemisphere, thrives thanks to the collaborative efforts of so many, just as Peter and Chris first intended.

The word ‘Floriade” is derived from the Latin “floreo” meaning “to bloom” or “to blossom”.

2017 | Life In Bloom